• TIMBERSPORTS® Knowledge

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

In the world of STIHL TIMBERSPORTS®, athletes rely on specially crafted saws and axes, specifically designed for the competition. These precision instruments are exclusively reserved for the professional contests.
The exception to this custom equipment is the Stock Saw, a commercially available MS 661 that remains unmodified. This unique discipline showcases the athletes' skills using a standard-issue saw.

THE right competition axe

STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® athletes wield axes of unique design, tailor-made exclusively for the demands of professional competition. These exceptional instruments, crafted from special steel, undergo hand-sharpening to achieve a razor-sharp edge—so sharp that it could actually replace your razor.
Each axe weighs between 2.5 to 3 kilogram and the cost of acquiring such a precision-crafted axe typically starts at 300 to 400 euros, reflecting both their quality and rarity.
In this world of precision and performance, most athletes possess multiple axes, recognizing that not every axe is ideally suited for every type of competition wood. During the heat of battle, participants carry two axes onto the stage, ensuring they always have a reliable backup at their side.

Hot saw: Sawing with up to 80 HP

The Hot Saws are the heavyweight champion, both in terms of power and volume. These specially tuned chainsaws are equipped with single-cylinder two-stroke engines, often sourced from snowmobiles or high-performance motorcycles boasting up to 80 horsepower.
To acquire one of these mechanical instruments, the initial investment starts at €5,000. These tuned chainsaws can weigh up to 30 kilograms and boast a chain speed of approximately 240 km/h, making them a huge challenge to master.

Single Buck Hand Saw

In the Single Buck discipline, athletes rely on specially crafted single buck hand saws. These tools stretch to an impressive two-meter length, rendering them impractical for everyday use. They exist solely for the world of competitive sports.
The creation of these five-kilogram saws is a thorough process. Laser precision is used to cut the metal to exacting specifications, and then, the ten-centimetre-long teeth are carefully hand-ground to perfection. It's a result of craftsmanship and precision engineering.
To secure one of these masterpieces, athletes must make a substantial investment, with the starting price at a minimum of €1,500.

STIHL MS 661

The STIHL MS 661 chainsaw is a series production model, renowned for its reliability and performance. With a robust 7.3 horsepower engine and a displacement of 91.1 cc, it does their job while maintaining a manageable weight of approximately 7.4 kilograms.
This chainsaw takes centre stage in the Stock Saw discipline, where athletes showcase their skills using this standardized, unmodified model. Its reputation for power and precision makes it the tool of choice for this thrilling competition.